Happy 70th wedding anniversary to Paul Shelton (Paul) & Josephine Attaway (Jo) Akins, best known as Mema and Granddaddy!
Paul, a native of Statesboro, and Jo, whose family moved from North Georgia when she was a baby, met in 1950 at Statesboro High School and quickly became high school sweethearts. After graduation, Paul attended Georgia Tech, and a year later, Jo enrolled at the University of Georgia.
The couple married December 26, 1954, at First Baptist Church in Statesboro, then honeymooned at St. Simons Island, staying at the King and Prince Hotel for the remarkable rate of $8/night. Paul completed his ROTC commitment of three years of service in the Air Force before returning to Statesboro, and in 1968, he fulfilled his dream of starting his own commercial building construction business: Paul S. Akins Company, Inc.
"I gladly helped; we were a great team," said Jo. "He handled the outside work, and I managed the office." Paul S. Akins Company, Inc. continues to thrive, led by younger family members who carry on the legacy.
The greatest joy of their lives is their 3 sons and their wives: Jeff and Pat, Joseph and Gail, and Mark and Leslie. They have been blessed with 11 wonderful grandchildren: Christy, Courtney, Steven, Jarrod, Miriam, Joel, Katelyn, Madeleine, Elizabeth, Maggie, and Catherine Morgan, and 9 great-grandchildren.
Jo happily shared, “Some of our fondest memories are the times the entire family spent together at our Mill House.”
Pat Akins, daughter-in-law, added, “Our kids and grandchildren loved visiting Mema and Granddaddy’s house. It was so much fun! Mema would play board games, bake and decorate their own birthday cakes, feed the turtles and fish, while Granddaddy always had practical advice to share. One of their favorite memories was riding in the old work truck, with Granddaddy on the dirt road, long before they were old enough to drive. Dalton, the only great-grandson said he loves the Popsicles best! Mema always had plenty!"
Paul and Jo attribute the anchor of their marriage to their unwavering faith in God. "Our advice to other married couples is simple: keep the faith and always trust in the Lord."
Celebrating their anniversary just after Christmas, the Akinses were able to be with family and even had a sweet surprise.
“We celebrated our 70th anniversary surrounded by family," Jo shared. "One of our granddaughters, Katelyn, created a heartfelt video, featuring each family member sharing their congratulations on our big milestone. It was a special surprise and a precious treasure."
Congratulations, Paul and Jo! May you continue to enjoy the blessings and pleasures of your wonderful, loving family!
